I enjoy the value of a good word. “Tenacious” is a good word. Merriam-Webster defines tenacious as: “Persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired.”
As we look at the subject of increasing effectiveness, I believe we must start with this characteristic as our jumping-off point.
If increasing your effectiveness in the workplace is something that you desire and value, then you must tenaciously seek it on a daily basis. You must become a tenacious advocate for the measure of effectiveness you desire.
You have to go after it with all you’ve got. Implementing tenacity is often the difference between failure and success.
With this foundation in mind, let us look at five sure-fire ways to increase your effectiveness in the workplace:
1. Take a personal inventory.
Note: At this point, I assume that you have goals and plans in place for yourself, your team, your department, etc.
At least once a week ask yourself, “How am I doing?” and “Am I any closer to my goal?”
Assess which situations have held you back in some way. Before proceeding any further, take the time to resolve these situations.
In order to increase your effectiveness, you cannot move forward with baggage that hinders your progress. People, systems, techniques and the like must be evaluated along the way.
An open and honest personal inventory is a sure-fire way to increase your effectiveness.
2. Get organized.
Increasing your effectiveness means change, and change is very traumatic for individuals who are not organized in the first place. Organizing your work is key to your ability to do things better, faster and more smoothly.
Do you have a time-line for your goals? Do you have specific action plans to reach those goals? Do you take the time to make a to-do list on a daily basis? Have you cleared your office, workspace and life of clutter?
Getting organized is another sure-fire way to increase your effectiveness in the workplace.
3. Keep a daily journal.
Keeping a journal of the days events and accomplishments is a healthy way to clarify your goals and also think things through so you make good decisions.
Journaling your day also allows you to see the tasks and areas of your work where you spend the majority of your time. In order to increase your effectiveness, you must discover these areas and tasks and evaluate whether they are leading you closer to your goals.
It may seem tedious, but making a note of everything you do and how much time you spend is a great way to increase effectiveness. Do this throughout your day so nothing gets left out.
4. Work with the go-getters.
In any changing situation, it is to your advantage to build a small team of allies that you can rely on and trust to do specified tasks or functions.
These people are your “go-getters” – they are self-motivated, disciplined and enthusiastic about their work. Connect with these people regularly in order to build a support system around your goals. Allow their effectiveness to enhance yours.
Powerful change happens when motivated people work together towards common goals.
5. Become obsessed with possibilities.
Protecting a familiar routine that you would rather not change is a sure-fire way to stunt and ultimately decrease your effectiveness. Simply doing things a certain way because “we’ve always done it that way” will hinder creativity and deflate motivation.
Always be willing to think of the possibilities that lie ahead. Consider new techniques and strategies that bolster excitement within your team. Evaluate (there’s that word again) everything in order to achieve success.
BONUS TIP!
6. Beware of the free lunch.
In my years as a personal and corporate coach, I have seen too many organizations and individuals who, in their desire to increase effectiveness, fall for the “free” shortcut.
If someone offers you something for free, realize this opportunity may have a hitch to it.
The “free lunch” is often a situation that signifies that something larger is about to be taken away. With effectiveness, the easy way is almost always not the best way.
Beware of people and systems that that tout effectiveness as free and easy. It takes work.
In his best selling book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” Dr. Stephen Covey wrote: “Ineffective people live day after day with unused potential.”
The potential to increase your effectiveness in the workplace lies within you. It is a matter of tapping into that potential and tenaciously using it for good.
It is my hope that these tips will give you the resources needed for the job.
DeLores Pressley, motivational speaker and personal power expert, is one of the most respected and sought-after experts on success, motivation, confidence and personal power. She is an international keynote speaker, author, life coach and the founder of the Born Successful Institute and DeLores Pressley Worldwide. She helps individuals utilize personal power, increase confidence and live a life of significance. Her story has been touted in The Washington Post, Black Enterprise, First for Women, Essence, New York Daily News, Ebony and Marie Claire. She is a frequent media guest and has been interviewed on every major network – ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX – including America’s top rated shows OPRAH and Entertainment Tonight.
She is the author of “Oh Yes You Can,” “Clean Out the Closet of Your Life” and “Believe in the Power of You.” To book her as a speaker or coach, contact her office at 330.649.9809 or via email [email protected] or visit her website at www.delorespressley.com.
